A Tarzana couple convicted in an $18 million pandemic relief fraud scheme cut their ankle monitors and fled before sentencing, according to the FBI.
Richard Ayvazyan, 43, and Marietta Terabelian, 37, were convicted of fraudulently receiving millions in pandemic relief funds that went to support a lavish lifestyle. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the funds were used as down payments on luxury homes in Tarzana, Glendale and Palm Desert.
The fugitive couple also used relief funds to buy gold coins, diamonds, jewelry, designer handbags, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Ayvazyan and Terabelian used fake and stolen identities to apply for funds through the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, both of which are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under federal law.
“Iuliia Zhadko” and “Viktoria Kauichko” were among the couple’s created identities.
Ayvazyan and Terabelian then submitted fake identity documents, tax documents and payroll records to lenders and the SBA to support the fraudulent applications.
In June, the couple was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud, eight counts of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Ayvazyan was also found guilty of two counts of aggravated identity theft.
“Seeking quick riches, the defendants stole federal funds intended to help Americans harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic carnage left in its wake,” said acting U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison of the fraud ring.
“The verdicts in this case are the first in this district resulting from a pandemic-related fraud scheme, and we are prepared to bring additional defendants to justice as we continue our efforts to safeguard our nation’s disaster-relief programs.”
The two were scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4 in Los Angeles federal court. A tweet from the FBI requested that anyone with information on the fugitive’s locations call 310-477-6565.
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